In many ways, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers' quest to repeat has gone anything but according to plan.

From navigating stringent Covid-19 protocols to dealing with an array of injuries, to even contending with the rise of a new championship contender in the Western Conference, the Lakers' road to the Finals has featured more obstacles than most thought it would back in December.

However, despite the challenges, the Lakers still maintain a prime position to achieve their goals thanks to one overriding reason, according to James: defense.

“The fact that we’re so damn good defensively has saved us so far this season cause we haven't been great offensively,” LeBron told Lakers reporters Thursday afternoon, including Spectrum Sports reporter Mike Trudell.  “[We] haven't shot the ball well, have had high turnover games … but we hang our hats on our defense and that’s always going to give us an opportunity to win.”

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While the Lakers miss Anthony Davis' versatility on the ball's defensive side, the team has more than made up for his absence with an improved effort along the wings. Led by the always stingy James, Los Angeles has featured tremendous depth behind the arc on “D”, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma providing a more consistent effort than they have in years past.

Thanks in part to their contributions, the Lakers rank second in the NBA in points allowed at 106.3 per contest, entering the league's second half, which the team will kick off Friday against the Indiana Pacers.

For a team with sky-high expectations, a win is a win, no matter how the Lakers come by them. This ability to be resourceful and diverse was displayed in a profound way in the Orlando bubble playoffs of 2020, when Caldwell-Pope, Rajon Rondo and Markieff Morris made huge contributions in the postseason.

The Lakers are still getting those role-player efforts. LeBron knows how important they are.